FloridaCommerce has announced the distribution of $2.6 million in grants aimed at supporting military communities and installations across the state. The funding comes from Florida’s Defense Reinvestment Grant Program and the Florida Defense Support Commission Grant Program.
“Governor DeSantis has been clear and steadfast in his leadership—we must continually support Florida’s military communities that defend our nation, secure our freedom, and also provide nearly 900,000 jobs to Floridians,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce, J. Alex Kelly. “These investments are more than just funding—they are strategic commitments to preserving the vital role our military installations play in national defense and in enhancing the quality of life for the service members, veterans and families who call Florida home.”
Florida hosts 21 major military installations and is home to approximately 1.4 million military veterans. Military populations continue to grow throughout the state.
The Defense Reinvestment Grant Program funds initiatives that help protect current military bases, diversify local economies dependent on defense activities, or assist communities with planning for reuse of closed or realigned installations. Recipients under this program include:
- Bay Defense Alliance ($100,000), which will work with community partners to further develop existing missions and seek new defense opportunities.
- Clay County Economic Development Council ($125,000), which will leverage new infrastructure projects such as the First Coast Expressway.
- Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast ($110,000), focused on implementing priorities identified in a resilience review for local installations.
- National Center for Simulation ($125,000), aiming to strengthen Central Florida's leadership in defense simulation.
- One Okaloosa Economic Development Council ($125,000), supporting strategies that protect local bases while promoting STEM industry growth.
- Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission ($125,000), continuing work related to cyber asset development near Corry Station.
- Santa Rosa County ($125,000), advancing master planning around Naval Outlying Landing Field and boosting regional mission readiness.
- Tampa Bay Defense Alliance ($55,988), continuing its assessment work on regional defense assets.
- U.S. National Drone Association ($250,000), supporting drone warfare preparation and domestic manufacturing expansion.
The Florida Defense Support Commission Grant Program is designed to help preserve military facilities by providing funds for workforce development efforts, research projects, and planning activities that benefit service members and their families.
Grants awarded through this program include:
- Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast ($250,000) for a feasibility study on alternative water sources for emergency operations at local bases.
- Highlands County Board of County Commissioners ($500,000) to reduce incompatible development near Avon Park Air Force Range.
- North Florida Land Trust ($550,000) for preventing encroachment around Camp Blanding.
- Tampa Bay Defense Alliance ($182,055) to advance its ongoing inventory and assessment of regional defense assets.
Additional information about programs supporting military communities can be found at the Office of Military and Defense webpage.